My Pix Show 04

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Seems like the East Coast here is stuck in a cold freeze. Let's hope that February brings us some warmer temperatures. They are forecasting us to be in the 20's all next week. I would like to see the other side of freezing for a while. Even with the sun shining, it is cold.

Have you noticed the new banner at the top of my blog for AFX? He has lots of great scrapping stuff there, and the price for a membership is unbeatable right now. $20.00 for a whole year. So what are you waiting for? Just click on his banner, and see all the goodies he has for you.

Also new is the preview for the February Daily Downloads at Magickal Scraps. This month is called "Frosty Mornings." Our Kyra came up with the theme and color scheme for this kit. Let me tell you, it is absolutely beautiful! I also have a preview of the store add-on kit that matches it, and you can buy it for only $1.50. Can't beat that!!!

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Shortly here, I have to go back out to do errands. I don't really want to go out in the cold, but this morning is a must. One of my shopping club renewals ends today, and I have to get it renewed. If I do it today, I save $10.00, and we can all use an extra $10. Of course, while I am there, I will have a look around to see if there is anything I need to buy. What else is new? lol.

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Before I leave the house this morning, I shall set my computer up to do a back up. This should take a while, so if you need to email me today, please use my yahoo e-address. missednascraps@yahoo.com.

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Remember all that snow they were getting yesterday in Virginia? Other than the fact that it played havoc with the commuters, some residents really enjoyed it. My son-in-law, Mac, sent me this photo of Charley, his nine year old German Shepherd, outside romping in the new snow. What do you think? Does she like it? Or does she like it!!*

She ran around all over the yard till she was too pooped to run anymore! So it seems there really is some therapeutic value in snow. It helps to keep kids like Charlee young and vital.*Now I shall enjoy a cup of coffee, and get ready to head out to do my errands. Y'all have a fantastic day now.*Hugs, Edna B.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Yesterday, my son had to put his little Mama dog, "Chrisey" down. She is getting on in years, and her health has been deteriorating. I am so sorry for you GaryJr. Find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of her, and know that her soul is now at Rainbow Ridge.

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Today is very cold outside. The weather station says it is around 18 (Fahrenheit), but it feels closer to zero. It was only about 2 degrees above zero during the night I think. By Monday, we should get a heat wave - about 24 degrees (Fahrenheit). Woo Hoo.

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I'm watching (on TV) the snow in Virginia and North Carolina. Both states have been declared storm emergencies. Right now they are showing the snow in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are calling what they have "snizzle." Not much snow, but it is getting slushy and freezing. Their news journalist is showing them how to shovel the stuff up properly so they don't have a heart attack.

*In all fairness, I should say that is the southern part of the state. Further north, they have a bit more snow. I just talked with Audrey, (she is in the southern most part of Virginia) and she says they have about six inches of snow, which means that the northern part of North Carolina also got a few inches. It looks as though Norfolk, Virginia is getting quite a bit of snow, with terrible visibility.

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Sad to say, these southern states just don't know how to drive in this type of weather, nor do they know how to clean it up. According to the new journalist on TV, they mostly just figure that the temperature will warm up and melt all the snow and ice. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it is going to warm up any time soon.

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Meanwhile, a bit to the west, some states are having wicked problems with ice storms. Maybe I am lucky to be living where I do. It doesn't make the bad weather any better, but at least we are better equipped to deal with it.

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Enough for the weather. I have some birdie photos to share that I took yesterday. This is the first time I have seen a starling at the feeders this winter. I believe this is the European Starling wearing his winter coat.

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Now I shall take my leave. I have a few things to do here, and I want to check on Moo again. He is not feeling so good today. Y'all have a good day now.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Br-r-r-r!! It's cold outside. The wind howled all through the night, and this morning has quieted down. Today's high temperature is only supposed to be about 20 (Fahrenheit). It must be a senior thingy, but I am just not crazy for the cold weather.

I brought my teleconverter with me this morning to see what differences it can make in some of my photos. Unfortunately, it's early, so there aren't many critters feeding in the backyard yet. I did capture one hungry little squirrel, and photographed him with and without the teleconverter. Keep in mind, I don't have my tripod here with me, so the photos aren't as clear as they could be, but you can still see the difference.

Without teleconverter:

With the teleconverter:

I think when I am able to use my tripod, I will be in for a delightful surprise. I was going to go to the park this week for a photo shoot, but an eye infection has kept me close to home. Hopefully, it will be cleared up by the beginning of the week, or I shall have to call my doctor.

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Last night, I finally had a chance to chat with Snowy on MSN for a while. Seems lately by the time dinner is finished, I'm usually tired and turn in early. So last night's chat was a nice treat.

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Yesterday, I went online looking for a quote, and stumbled across a fantastic blog. It was filled with stories and poetry written by Shelley Powers. One story she wrote was for her cat. By the time I got to the second and third paragraph, I was quite weepy. I know, I'm a sap when it comes to animals. Oh well. The story was written with so much feeling, it was incredible. Then I read a few more of her items. What a treat! You really should have a look. And if you have kitties, please read "Just A Cat." http://shelleypowers.burningbird.net.

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Now I must start setting up the Mrs' breakfast tray. Today is a working day. Y'all have a marvelous day now.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Gosh, don't look now, but have you noticed that there are only three more days left in this month of January? Where does it go? I'm still putting away the last bits from Christmas!!

So far this morning, sh-h-h-h-h-h! No rain. Although yesterday I heard someone say we had snow coming sometime today. Gee, I sure hope they were wrong, but we shall soon find out. Snow is pretty, but after a couple of months, it gets a bit weary.

Last night, I was playing with some new background papers that I made from my photos, and ended up with my first Valentine of the year. Of course, this one is for me.

Special credits for the frame, the letter bubble and the bow go to: Wilma's Creations, Kirsty and Baz. The background is a photo of one of the roads I take to go home from work.

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Now I can't wait to make more background papers with other photos. They come out so pretty. Especially when I get creative and play with some of the filters and other goodies in Photoshop. I really wish they would introduce some new digital design classes at our community college. I learn much quicker with hands on teaching. I would also like to see more digital photography classes. You would find me at the front of the "sign up" line.

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Today I have a new freebie for you. I used one of my photos for this background too. And now I'm off to do some blog hopping, and maybe a few things around the house too. Y'all have a marvelous day now.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

It's a beautiful sunny morning today. Yesterday, about two hours after I posted my blog, the rain cleared up. We still had a lot of very dark clouds, but at least the rain held off. I really shouldn't complain though. Come summertime, we'll be complaining about the lack of rain, and the lower water table!

Little by little, I'm starting to get back into my designing groove here. Yesterday, I actually got half of my April DD's done. Today I hope to finish it up and get it all into folders. I also have to start scrapping more pages. I've been very lax in that area lately.

Also, it's time to order my newest blog book, July through December 2009. These books are a wonderful way to journal your day to day life. When you think about it, they are sort of like scrapbooks in their own way. Funny, I always wanted to write a book, and now I have. Granted, it's not quite what I originally had in mind, but still it's my own book.

As I look back over my life, I see that a lot of the dreams that I had for myself really did come to be. Maybe not always the way I had planned, but a lot of them were realized. Like other little girls, I wanted to be a fashion designer, a model, a teacher, and everything else glamorous. Well, I did make a lot of mine and my children's' clothes for years, I did get to model for a camera club, and I did teach crafts and ceramics at local schools and in my own store.

Oh yes, I also wanted to own my own craft store and my own house, and I wanted to go to college. Thank you Lord, I got to do all of that too. Most of all, like everyone else, I wanted to be important. Well, when my children tell me they love me, and my Tootsie gives me a lick, I know I accomplished that too. I am a very lucky lady.

Now on to some beautiful bird photos. I know, I know, is that all there is to photo? Don't fret, pretty soon there will be lovely flowers everywhere just waiting for me and my camera. For today, I have photos of Cardinals. This is one really beautifully colored bird.

This next photo was a "fluke" shot as the Cardinal was quickly flying away. I would like to be able to take this type of photo better, but that will take a while.

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And finally, here is Mrs. Cardinal, very busy shopping for food.

It's time for me to start my day now. Miss Tootsie wants (not really, but they are necessary!) her meds, and I could use a fresh cup of coffee. Y'all have a fantabulous day now.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Wow, what nasty weather we had yesterday!! Not only was it pouring rain, but the wind was howling away and blowing all sorts of things into the streets. On the way to the hospital, we saw a large tree down, a power line down and lying across the road, trash barrels rolling all over the place, and lots of branches on the roads. I'm looking out my window now, and it is still raining. Oh joy!!

At least my Tootsie stayed dry. She doesn't get to wear her rain slicker often, but when she does, it's a blessing. When we walked into the hospital, I looked a bit like a drowned rat, but Tootsie looked charming as ever. She even wore a pretty new shirt under the slicker. What we do for our kids!!

We have to go back out in this nasty weather again today. Tootsie has her 3rd and 4th chemo treatments today, and then she gets a break for another four weeks. I was hoping that the rain would be done, but no such luck.

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When I was a little kid, I remember grown-ups always had a saying for rainy days. "It's great weather for ducks!" Now that I'm a grown-up, I am a bit perplexed. Why is rain great weather for ducks? Do they really like to waddle around in the rain? Or is it because the rain fills the ponds that the ducks like to swim in? Hm-m-m. Food for thought!

Today, I have a few photos to share. They are of a female Downy Woodpecker. She is just a little thing, but very beautiful.

That's all for today folks. Now it's time for me to have my coffee and get dressed. The furnace repair man is supposed to be here in about an hour to try to find out why we are using so much fuel. Then shortly thereafter, Tootsie and I have to leave for her appointment. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ah, what a lovely wet, but warmer, morning today. It's been raining and drizzling all morning, and the weather forecast is for rain all day. We are expecting some heavy downpours with heavy winds sometime during the day. Oh goodie!! On my way home from work this morning, the sky was full of soft gray clouds. Here's a photo of them. I imagine they will be big black clouds before the day is out. And just so you don't worry, I take a lot of these photos when I am sitting at a red light.

My Tootsie was prepared for rain, though. This morning she wore her rain slicker when we went to the hospital for her chemo. Everybody there just loves her wardrobe. Here's my adorable little girl sitting in her car seat all dressed up in her rain gear.

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I also thought I should share a photo I took on Friday of the ground cover showing through the snow. Some things keep growing no matter how cold it gets or how much snow we get. Once the snow melts down enough, you can see the green ground cover. This photo shows brown pine needles, green ground cover and snow all getting along side by side. I just thought it was a bit interesting.

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How about a bit of good news? This morning when Tootsie and I were leaving to go to her appointment, Moo was bringing in the trash barrels. Tootsie watched him, and followed him with her eyes all the way up the driveway. Now that's good news!!! She has some sight back. We're not sure how much, or if a lot of it is shadows, but it's great news either way. She still cannot see a lot of things, but some sight is better than none.

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Speaking of Uncle Moo, this morning he seems to feeling a bit better. That's quite a relief. It's good to see him back to his normal self again. Still no word yet on Howie, but I supposed no news is good news.

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Time for me to go now and put out the mail. Some days, the postman comes early and I don't want my mail to go late. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Gosh, what a gorgeous sunrise this morning around 6:50 am. I took a few photos, and then a few minutes later, I took a couple more. The sky changes so quickly in just a few moments. Here's a sampling of what I got this morning.

Is this not beautiful? Just think, if you were not up this morning before 7:00 am , you would have missed this gorgeous showing of colors. You just can't beat the beauty of nature.

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I do have more bird photos to share, but I will save them for tomorrow. I want to try out my new teleconverter. Unfortunately, there's not much to look at out my living room window. Just a large driveway with parked cars. Gee, just what I always wanted a picture of!!! I guess I'll have to go to the park this week. There are always lots of gulls and geese and swans to photograph there.

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Moo hasn't been feeling so good lately. I hope it's just a little stomach bug, but I dunno. Maybe a couple of days in bed will make him feel better. I sure hope so.

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Yesterday, I made a new Valentine QP for you. I was going to post it tomorrow, but Tootsie has chemo in the morning, so you get your freebie today. It's a little bit different, but I hope you can use it. Now I'm off to go check on Moo. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a great day.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Another cold, but sunny, morning here. Gosh, I just don't understand this new furnace that we have. I thought it was supposed to be more efficient, but it doesn't seem to heat any better than the old furnace. In fact, we filled the oil tank 17 days ago, and we just had to fill it again this morning. Something here just does not jive well in my book.

Yesterday I got a package in the mail. Woo Hoo!! My new teleconverter came. Wow!! That was quick, I just ordered it a few days ago. So now I have a new toy to play with. Oh goodie!!

I'm hoping that it will help to improve some of my bird photos that are taken at a distance. Although I can't complain about my newest lens. I'm really enjoying some of the pictures that it takes.

Can you imagine the photos I can get when I don't have to shoot them through windows and patio doors? The glass panels in the windows and doors are in need of cleaning, but it is too cold for me to go outside and wash them. So I do the best I can with what I have. But to be perfectly honest, a lot of my photos have been pretty good, even with the dirt. At least I am happy with them, and that's what counts.

Oh dear, my bad. I should give a bird's name when I post a photo. Yesterday's little bird was a Titmouse. Today I will show the difference between a Titmouse and a Chickadee. Unfortunately, the Chickadee flits about so quickly that it is not easy to get a good photo of him but I did my best.

Titmouse

Chickadee

I know this is not a great photo of the little Chickadee, but this little guy just will not sit for more than a second or two. I swear he knows I'm lurking about in the shadows with a camera. When I shot this photo, my camera was on "continuous shoot" and I managed to get a quick shot of this little fellow as he flew off. It's not a great shot, but I thought I would share it anyway.

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Chickadee Leaving

Gosh, I sure hope that one of these days, I get another chance for another photo like this, only a better one! In the backyard, there is a white light pole not far from the feeder and it is always getting in the way of a great shot! The white blur on the left side of the photo is the light pole. So you can see that this is an almost impossible shot under these conditions, and I am quite tickled to have this photo.

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There has been no new information on our Howie yet. Maybe in a few days the doctor will call with some news. At least, he is settling in quite nicely at the hospital. With so many people there so fuss over him, he is probably quite happy.

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Now I think I shall mosey on out into the main part of the house and see what is going on. It has been so quiet lately! Sometimes I miss the noise, and other times, I'm happy to not hear it. Hm-m-m-m. Sounds like I can't make up my mind here! Well, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantastic day.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Today's post will be short as I am at work and the Mrs. will be waking shortly. This morning is quite frosty, but Moo says it's supposed to get quite warm today. I certainly hope so. A lot of the snow has been melting, but there is still a lot on the ground, in the fields, piled along the sides of yards and parking lots, everywhere!

I haven't gotten too many good photos these past few days. Let's be honest here. How many snow pictures can you enjoy looking at? Pretty soon though, little buds will be poking up through the snow, and I'll be right there with my trusty camera.

Yesterday, I bid on a leather backpack with wheels on E-Bay. Hopefully, I will find out soon whether or not my bid was accepted. If it wasn't, I will just go back on and shop some more. Not a problem. I also used some of my Christmas money to buy a teleconverter for my camera lenses. It was a good day for shopping.

This morning, I have only one photo to share. I shot it just a few minutes ago (through a glass door) of one of the little birds checking out the feeder. He's just a little cutie!!

Well, it's time for me to start making up a breakfast tray. I can hear the Mrs starting to wake up. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a really nice day.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

I'm off to a late start today, but that's okay. I've been doing a bit of shopping and catching up on my daily blog-hopping. I've put the laundry in the washer, and after my post here I'll do a bit more shopping.

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Let me say here, that today did not bring any new snow so far (at least from what I can see). At the moment, the sun is shining brightly. I shouldn't show too much happiness over that because there will probably be a blizzard on my way to work tomorrow morning!!! LOL.

Only 38 more days till I leave for Sunny Florida. One of the things I am looking forward to is a chance to photo some wildlife. Perhaps we might be able to visit the wild animal park at Disney World. I have never been to that particular park, but I hear wonderful things about it. We may also look for a botanical garden. Now that would also be wonderful. Two things I really like, animals and flowers. Maybe I'll even buy one more battery for my camera. Can't have too many batteries when you're on a photo shoot.

This morning, while visiting Kyra's blog, I downloaded her newest freebie kit "In The Wild." This should come in very handy if I get to the wild animal park. It's a really lovely kit, and the papers are just fantastic! Go have a look, and while you're there, say "Hi" to Kyra. http://smiekeltje.blogspot.com/

Today I have a couple of photos to share that were taken two weeks ago. I thought this little wren was just adorable. Especially in the second photo, where he hangs on for dear life with his tiny feet while he tries to reach the food that is farthest away from his perch.

Now I must leave and put away the new groceries that Moo just brought in. He really enjoys shopping for the food bargains, and I don't particularly enjoy food shopping. Today, one of my favorite cheeses, provolone, is on sale so I'm stocking up. Y'all have a wonderful day now.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wow, I think we're up to about seven days in a row of snowfall. Granted, it's not amounting to very much, but every time you look out the window, you can see snowflakes falling from the sky. Yesterday, in between snow, we got a little bit of rainy stuff, then right back to snowflakes. It's sort of like the weather just isn't sure what it wants to do.

Sorry about posting so late, but I had to spend time with the bills this morning. They do like to be paid. Funny how that is!! But I think I got them all, just have to wait for one missing invoice to come in the mail.

On top of that, I spent an hour on the phone with the cable company, discussing my cable service. Seems they are switching to new packages and prices starting tomorrow, and I needed to find out what the new charges would be, and what would be included. So now that is settled for one more year.

No more news yet on how Howie is making out. We're expecting some information later this afternoon. Most likely, he will either be placed in a rehab program for a while, or into a nursing home environment. We shall just have to wait and see.

Yesterday's photos were mostly of snow coming down, but I did take a few of my rosebush during the short period when it was raining. There is something unique about a raindrop. If you look closely at one, you can usually see reflections in it. So that is what I chose for the photos that I am sharing today. There are reflections of my house and the surrounding trees in all the little raindrops. Very interesting!!

I really did not spend much time on the PC yesterday. My wrist was beginning to ache quite a bit, so I thought I would give it a rest.

Maybe later this afternoon, I will finish packing up my new color challenge kit and upload it to the forum. First, I have to prepare our supper. Tonight is my turn to cook. I shall make a meat sauce and pasta. M-m-m-m-m!! I can almost taste it already! I think I should shrivel up and blow away if they took away my pasta!

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Perhaps tomorrow, I shall pay another visit to the gym. This is not an easy habit for me to get into, but I will try. I just found out that one of the dwarfs has joined up at the same gym. Woo Hoo!! Maybe having someone to go with once in a while will make it easier to get there more often.

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Well, it's time for me to get cooking here. The sooner my work is done, the sooner I can play. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a great day.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Good morning. Shall I tell you what I saw when I looked out my window this morning? You got it!! More snow coming down!! How come we're getting it all? Doesn't anybody else need it? We'd love to share!

On to the more serious stuff now. Our friend Crooknees hasn't been feeling too well lately. It would be nice if we all could send a prayer and some healing energy her way to help speed up her recovery. God speed your healing, my friend.

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Last night I attempted to work on making some mesh for the Design Challenge. However, this was just not my cup of tea, so I finally abandoned the project. After that, I decided to make a little kit for the color challenge.

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Here is where you discover my problem about "slowness" when making kits. First I went looking on the web for just the right piece of clipart. If you're like me, this part takes hours because I'm so picky. Then, I get side-tracked all over the place. Eventually, though, I do get back to the kit. However all of this takes time, and makes me just a tad slow with the designing process.

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I did manage to get the kit almost finished before it was time for Tootsie and me to hop into bed. While I was trying to fall asleep, I kept seeing a new QP in my mind. Good Lord! This stuff even invades my dreams. So of course, this morning I promptly sat down at my PC and put together this new QP using my color challenge kit.

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The theme for the color challenge this month is about getting your driver's license. What do I know about getting a license today? Things change so much. I've had my license for 55 years. And you know, I've been very lucky. My driving record is clean except for a speeding ticket that I got back in the early 80's. I was stopped for doing 25 miles an hour in a posted 20 mile an hour zone. Lucky me!!

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Okay, enough bragging for today. It's time for me to get dressed and start my day here. I think maybe I'll burn a few calories, and push the vacuum cleaner around for a while. I also want to do some shopping on-line for a new backpack with wheels. So without further ado, here is your freebie for today. I hope you like it. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Monday, January 18, 2010

I supposed y'all want to know what's up with Mr. Howie? Well, his potty issues were becoming extreme, and it was time to take him to the hospital to have him checked out to see if there was a medical issue to address. A large part of the day was spent at the VA hospital trying to convince the doctors that Howie needed to be admitted and evaluated, both medically and psychologically.

I got home around 2 pm, and Moo got home closer to 4 pm. And yes, Howie was finally admitted to be evaluated. Needless to say, it was probably a bit hectic at that hospital last night, as Howie behaves quite badly when you take him out of his familiar surroundings.

The rain that we were promised started before I left for work last night, and continued through the night. Around 4 am this morning it changed over to frozen sleet and snow. I imagine there were quite a few accidents this morning, as I passed a couple on my way home.

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At one point, I thought I might be in an accident too. I was slowing for a red light when my car started slipping and sliding in all the wrong directions. Oh dear!!! But then it got back on track and all was well again. Must have been my guardian angel watching over me.

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Visibility was okay, but not great. When the wind blew (which it did quite frequently), the visibility got much worse. Here are a few photos to show you my trip home this morning. This first photo shows the visibility on the road in the open spaces.

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This next photo is a shot of visibility behind me, which you can see in my rear view mirror. I just thought this was a different and interesting view.

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And finally, this last shot is one of my favorites. I took it through the windshield while I was sitting at a red light. See? Even in this horrid weather, there is beauty.

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I did have plans to stop at the gym again this morning, but in this nasty weather I just wanted to get home without any accidents. I will make it to the gym this week, just not today. The weatherman says that all this snow and rain will blow over before the end of the day. Let's hope he's right.

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Now, I think I shall have a cup of coffee, play with Tootsie for a bit, and then have me a little nap. There were not too many winks for me last night. The electric power went out a couple of times (only for short times), so I had to be extra alert most all night. The Mrs was getting a bit nervous when the clocks went out and started blinking on and off at her in the dark.

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Later I hope to start working on the April daily downloads. Woo Hoo!! I finally got March wrapped up and the previews loaded to the forum. I also want to work on the design challenge. We are learning to make mesh for this one. I'll even see about getting another freebie finished.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

After that scrumptdillyiscious day we had yesterday, today looks and feels a bit sad and grey. I could not believe how Spring-like it was when I went out to do my errands yesterday. However, today is a new day, and the weather is back to it's yucky normal for January.

This will be a very short post as we are having a "Howie situation" here. I had thought I might go to the gym this morning on my way home, but Mr. Howie changed all that. Ah well, there's always tomorrow morning to do my gym stuff.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Today we are at the half mark for this new month. Wow, if the days fly by this quickly now, I wonder how fast they will disappear when I am 90? Or 100? With a bit of help from upstairs, I will let you know when I get there.

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Last night was chat night at the Magickal Scraps forum. I tell you, these ladies are a lot of fun!! I did have a lovely visit with them until our Howie started in with his new messy antics. I tell you, this is one dwarf who could keep a whole team of folks busy keeping an eye on him!! The sad part is that realizing his situation makes me very thankful that it is not me. And I must say thanks to the other dwarfs for pitching in to help us with Howie. We do have a nice group here.

Today is going to be another busy day. This morning I have laundry to do. Then at noon, Miss Tootsie has an appointment at the beauty salon. We go to the salon at Petco, so while we are there, I can take a look to see if there are any pretty new sweaters for Miss Tootsie. She's been oh so good lately, and is such a wonderful little watch dog for me. Not one sound gets by my door that she does not alert me to.

Speaking of little kids, Miss Audrey will be picking up her new little one in a couple of days. From what she tells me, he is some sort of lab mix, and is ever so playful, yet shy. Audrey and Mac found this little guy at a local animal shelter. As soon as their new little guy has been blessed with a name, I will let you know. Today, I think they are going to visit with him at the shelter and bring him a new toy. Way to go, Audrey!!

I have not finished packaging up my April DD's yet, but I did put one preview together to give you a sneak peek at some of the new stuff coming for you at Magickal Scraps. Sh-h-h-h! Don't tell anyone I showed you this.

Today, I also have another photo to share. This one was taken in the early morning shortly after day break, so there were still a lot of shadows. Yup, it's another Blue Jay, but gosh! They really are beautiful.

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Mary Ann, if you're reading this, I need your advice. I finally cashed in my winning Christmas lottery tickets, and have decided on what to buy with some of the money. I could use some advice on what type of teleconverter (I think that is what they are called) to buy to use with my zoom lens. 1X, 2X?

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Now it is time for me to get busy here. Time waits or no man (or woman), so they say. Y'all have a marvelous day now.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Miss Tootsie and I got up a bit early this morning - about 4 am. I think her inner clock is messed up just a bit. She had been trying to get me to wake up for over an hour. Oh well, we'll just have to go to bed early tonight. After the forum chat, of course.

It wasn't so bad though. I was able to finish making my portion of the March Daily downloads. Now I just have to sort it all into folders and make previews. When I finish the previews, I'll give you a sneak peek.

Today, I have a badly needed appointment at the Nail Salon. After that, I shall take Kyra's advice and push the vacuum cleaner around the house. She says it's a good way to burn calories, so we'll see. Maybe I'll go around this place two or three times. If I don't look thinner after I get done with the vacuuming, the dust bunnies can move back in.

As for the strands of dust that hang down from the ceiling, I have that all figured out. Just cut some small stars out of tissue, paste a little glitter on them, then put a dab of glue near the top of one the points and glue the star to the dust strand. They will look so pretty, no one will know that they are really dust.

I've had a couple of requests for a photo of Moo modeling his new Grinch shorts. We aim to please, so here is the long awaited photo. Note that Tootsie is not really too crazy about Moo's Grinch.

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Now I must go and get dressed. I have things to do, and of course, the vacuum awaits me. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day now.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Yes folks, I finally did it!! Yesterday I let me talk myself out of going to the gym. You know, the "tummy ache-cold out-don't feel like it" routine. But this morning I grabbed myself by the collar and dragged me right outside to my car and down to the gym.

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To start with, I set the tread mill for 30 minutes, not realizing that it was pointing uphill. Well, I struggled through for 7 minutes and burned 30 calories. So much for the 30 minutes thingy. Then it was time to try out the bicycle machines. This time, I was more realistic. I set the bike for 15 minutes on Low Speed. I hung in there as best I could until the timer said five minutes and about 7 more calories. That's all she wrote for today!!!!

The bottom line here is that I wore myself out in only 12 minutes. To make things worse, I only burned about 37 calories. And to think I actually paid good money to endure this torture. Will I go back? Yes, I suppose I will. 37 calories burned twice a week is better than no calories burned at all. And at this rate, I should be able to drop maybe two or three pounds by next Fall. Oh joy!

Enough nonsense. Last night, I buckled down and finished my part for the February Daily Download at Magickal Scraps. Tonight, I will see about doing my part for March. I need to get everything through April finished before I leave for Florida. Want a sneak peek at what's coming in February?

Last year, the resort where I stay in Florida promised me that internet service would be available to me this year. That I would no longer have to sit way down by the dumpsters or go looking for a McDonald's in order to go on-line. Silly me, I believed them.

*After a short phone call a few minutes ago with the manager of the resort, it now looks as though I will have to go over and sit in a room in the back of the office building if I want to use the internet. Stop laughing!!! This is not funny!!! Whatever happened to just being able to sit in my own unit or on my little porch and do my internet stuff from there? Gr-r-r-r!!!

*Now for some happy stuff. I have a couple of critter photos to share today. There are so many different little birds that come to the feeder at work. And the marvelous thing is that they get along so well with each other. This is just two of them.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Good morning everybody. Did you notice how strange my blog was yesterday? Believe it or not, it was after supper last night before I managed to get it fixed. I would come in and fix one thing and another would be go bad. This went on most of the day. I was getting ready to erase it and start over when I did something, not sure what, and it finally came up right.

I'm thinking this was a test to see if I would finally kill the PC or not. But I was very good, and just kept coming back till I got it right. Although I probably would have done something drastic if things did not finally come together. And it's not really the computer's fault if Blogger keeps changing the way things are done. (and I'm a bit daffy sometimes!)

Why is it that progress sometimes throws us for a loop? Like when you go to the grocery store and you can't find anything because they have re-designed the store to make it better for the customer. What customer? At least before, I could find everything.

I'm sounding a bit crabby this morning, huh? That's because I am sitting here thinking "It's good for me, I must do it." (Thank you Nani!) Yup, it's the exercise gym I'm talking about! As soon as I do a load of laundry, I have to push this adorably plump being out the door and into the car and start my new world of Exercise!! Sigh, sigh!!

On to something more pleasant!! Check your calendar. It's only 67 more days till Spring! And only 46 more days till I get to Sunny Florida. Oh boy, it's going to feel good to be where the temperatures are much warmer. I know it's been cold in Florida, but their cold is our Spring.

Today I have a fun photo of two little birds having an argument at the feeder. Or rather, one little bird has something to say while the other one just looks on and listens.

I also have another photo of a rather lonely looking potted plant. It sort of reminds me of what used to be and what is yet to come.

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And finally we get to today's freebie. Valentine's Day will be here soon, so I made another Valentine's QP. Although I must say, this one is a bit of fun. Thanks to Helga at Granny Art for those wonderful skeletons.

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Now I really must get going here, or I may never make it to the gym. Wouldn't that be a shame!! Y'all have a fantastic day now.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Boy, oh boy, did I sleep late this morning!! I must have been overtired because it was difficult getting to sleep last night; but when I finally did fall asleep, the morning did not come till after 10 a.m.

Good news! I did something about Resolution #2 - get more exercise this year. On my way home from work yesterday, I stopped by Workout World and signed up for their new program "$10 a Month." I figure if I go a couple times a week, it might be good for me. The next step now is to push myself to actually leave the house and go there. That's the biggie!!!

Resolution #1 is going pretty well. I manage to get new photos almost every day. They are not always share worthy, but that's okay. When I go to Florida next month, my friend Mary Ann will go with me on a few photo shoots. That will be something nice to look forward to.

Remember I told you that my daughter in law, Janet, got me something for Christmas that I would share with you later? Well, she got me a musical snow lady that sings "Santa Baby," and it is just the cutest little thing. I was going to take a photo of it, but that really would not do it justice, so I made a tiny movie instead. Let's see if this works now.

*Well now that only took about 40 minutes or so to accomplish. And I had to call Snowy for help too!!! Thank you Snowy!! No, I'm not blonde, but I used to be when I was younger. LOL. At least now maybe I can do little videos from time to time.*I also have a couple of photos to share with you that I took yesterday. This first photo shows one of the little birds leaving the feeder.

And this next photo shows a new customer coming to enjoy the feeder.

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That's it for today. I used up all my time fiddling with that little 30 send movie. Tomorrow I will have another freebie for you. Now I need to get lunch for Howie and Tootsie, even though I would prefer to play on my PC. Funny how they like eat every now and then!! Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Monday, January 11, 2010

This morning, the sun is shining brightly. Is this a good omen? Oh boy, I sure hope so!! Here is a photo I just took of the morning sun beaming on the trees in the backyard. Even the little birds sound a bit happier this morning.

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*This will be a short post, as I am still at work, and the Mrs will be waking shortly and wanting her breakfast. The good thing about these super duper long shifts, is that you put in your whole week's hours in less days. I can dig that!!

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Tomorrow, I will try again to post that little movie for you that I made yesterday. I spent hours on it trying to figure out how to get it here on my blog. I put in a call for help, but Snowy was having a nap after her long night at work. So I finally went to You Tube. After joining there, I eventually figured out how to upload the movie.

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Now here is where my troubles began. Once I got it uploaded, I could not find it. It was lost in a sea of millions of other movies and videos. Okay, back to the help page! This told me I could find it in my account folder. Next to figure out how to get a link to put on my blog so I could share it.

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Do I sound like a space age tekkie? Your right, I'm not. But eventually I got it figured out, I think! And tomorrow, I will attempt to share it with you here. After all this work, Snowy woke up, and sent me another way to do it. So one way or another, I should be able to post this stupid little 30 second movie!!!

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Last night, I did work on a new freebie for you. I was playing around with shapes, and decided to try some different types of frames. I must be enjoying the color purple, because this is another purple quick page.

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Now I must start my day here. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a marvelous day.

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Hugs, Edna B.

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"QP - 003"

And here is your download link for "QP - 003" (If you have any problems with this link, please let me know. Blogger is giving me a hard time about pasting this link.)

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Man, is it ever cold this morning!!!!! Definitely not a good day to go walking. One good thing though, the sun is shining. THANK YOU MARY ANN for my new mittens!!! I went out to start my car this morning before it was time to leave work. I was dressed in my winter jacket and my new mittens, and let me tell you, when I came back into the house, my hands were SNUGGLY WARM!! Under my coat was not!!!

I was going to take a nap this morning but first I need to warm up the bedroom. Thank goodness for my electric fireplaces. One helps to keep my bedroom toasty and the other warms up the living room. So I will wait a little while and give the room a chance to warm up before I go in for my nap.

I also made a little movie to show you. I just have to figure out how to put it here on the blog, but so far, I'm not having any luck. Oh well, I'll keep trying, there must be a way.

As for my cold, I really do think I am going to survive it. I think I'm feeling better. At least the eyes haven't been watery since last night. That has to be a good sign! I'd like to thank everybody who sent me get well wishes. And thanks Nani. Last night I had a nice big cup of hot chocolate before I went to lie down. M-m-m-m-m-m Good!!!!! I was able to get a few good winks, and felt much better this morning.

I have a photo to share this morning of a very cold, country morning view. This one was taken earlier this week.

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Gosh! You get shivers just looking at it! I have some other photos, but first I have to send them to Photoshop and crop them. Okay, okay, just one more. This one is of a cardinal who is one of the little birds in the backyard at work. I can't help myself when they are such cute little critters. I just keep on taking photos. What I usually do is put my camera on continuous shooting. That way, I get lots of photos, and there's bound to be some good ones.

Now I really must go put on a warm bathrobe or something before I turn into a popsicle. I don't have a fireplace here in the computer room, and it's a wee bit chilly. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.